Haloperidol Prophylaxis in Cardiac Surgery for Patients at Risk for Delirium

Haloperidol Prophylaxis in Cardiac Surgery for Patients at Risk for Delirium: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study

Will the use of prophylactic Haloperidol for patients undergoing open heart surgery reduce the incidence, duration, and severity of post cardiotomy delirium?

Pilot study for feasibility and safety, n = 40, haloperidol 1mg vs. placebo BID administered night before and day of surgery, then continued for total 72hrs post-op, if delirium occurs study drug is stopped and usual standard of care implemented by MRP.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Greater than or equal to 70 years of age, undergoing a median sternotomy OR 60-69yrs of age with one or more of the risk factors:

  • TIA/Stroke;
  • Euroscore greater than or equal to 5;
  • abnormal clock draw.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Parkinsonism,
• on any antipsychotic medications pre-op,
• active delirium,
• emergent surgery,
• Haloperidol allergy,
• schizophrenia,
• prolonged QTc.